How to donate your winter fuel allowance

Stars such as Sir Terry Wogan and Sir David Jason are backing a campaign to
end fuel poverty.

“This is an excellent way for local people to help some of the most vulnerable older people in their area. I’ll certainly pass my payment on, and encourage everybody who can, to contribute towards it.”Photo: CLARA MOLDEN

How do I claim the winter fuel allowance?

Once you start collecting your state pension, you will be entitled to this benefit. If you are not already in the DWP's system, for example if you are a man under 65 and not claiming any benefits, you'll need to apply. Once you are in the system, the money will automatically be paid each year, with payments increasing once you reach 80. Only one payment is made per household.

How much is it worth?

Those aged over 60 will get £200 this winter, while those aged 80 or over will get £300.

Why is this benefit going down when energy bills are going up?

The Government argues that the Labour administration had not budgeted to continue with the top-up payment, despite it being renewed in each of the past four years.

When do I get payments?

If you are over 60 (or 80) in September, payment should be made by December.

Can I recycle them?

There isn't any way to simply divert the payment. Instead, the charity is asking for a donation equivalent to some or all of the benefit you receive. However, there is nothing to stop people paying more nor, for that matter, donations from those who are under 60 who don't qualify for this benefit.

How will my donation be spent?

The Community Foundation Network works with local charity and community organisations. It is used by Comic Relief and the Big Lottery's Fair Share Trust, among others, to distribute money raised by national collections to local groups. Money raised by this appeal will support organisations helping those in "fuel poverty" stay warm, eat well and remain mobile in winter.

What is fuel poverty?

This term is used to describe households where more than 10pc of disposable income is spent on domestic fuel bills. The number of households in fuel poverty has doubled since 2003 and now stands at four million, according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Why has fuel poverty increased?

Not surprisingly, this has been largely due to rising fuel bills. All major providers pushed up energy prices again this year, blaming rising wholesale prices. But according to Consumer Focus, these wholesale costs are now a third lower than they were at their 2008 peak. However, in this time British Gas has raised gas prices by 44pc and electricity prices by 21pc. British Gas disputes these figures, saying that while wholesale prices remained level over this period, other costs, such as transportation, have risen.

Where do I donate?

You can donate online at communityfoundations.org.uk or through your local community foundation. Remember, the value of this donation can be worth 20pc more if you sign the relevant Gift Aid certificate.

Are the energy companies supporting this initiative?

No. British Gas said it has its own Energy Trust charity, to which it contributed £20m this year. This helps vulnerable household struggling with domestic bills. British Gas has also been calling for winter fuel payments to be targeted more effectively.